Working in Spain: A Comprehensive Guide

Spain, with its vibrant culture, rich history, and picturesque landscapes, has emerged as a popular destination for expats and digital nomads seeking employment opportunities and a high quality of life. Whether you are considering a move to Spain for work or are already in the process of relocating, it’s essential to understand the country’s work culture, working days, public holidays, and visa requirements to ensure a successful transition and a fulfilling professional experience. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about working in Spain in 2024.

Work Culture in Spain

Embracing a Relaxed Approach

Unlike the work culture in some other European countries that emphasize punctuality and strict adherence to schedules, the work culture in Spain embraces a more relaxed approach. It’s common for meetings to run long or be postponed, deadlines to change, and for individuals to be slightly late. While this may be a significant departure from the work culture in some other countries, it’s essential to understand and adapt to this relaxed approach when working in Spain. Some key tips to navigate the work culture in Spain include:

Avoid scheduling anything immediately after a meeting.
Refrain from scheduling meetings during lunch hours.
Exercise patience as it’s not considered rude to be 10-20 minutes late.
Work towards your goals and personal deadlines, while understanding that they may change.
Avoid pressuring colleagues to adapt to a different way of working and strive to find a middle ground 3.

Building Relationships

In Spain, relationship-building is of paramount importance in professional settings. When meeting someone for the first time, it’s customary to be professional, offer a handshake, and maintain eye contact. Business discussions often take a back seat to getting to know the other person first. As relationships develop, greetings may evolve to include a kiss on the cheek. It’s important to note that personal questions and a slow pace of business meetings are customary as part of the relationship-building process. As colleagues become more familiar with each other, physical closeness, such as hugs and pats on the back, become more common 3.

Working Days and Hours

Standard Working Week and Hours

In Spain, the standard working week consists of 40 hours, typically spread over five days. The maximum number of working hours per week is 48, with any hours worked beyond this threshold being compensated as overtime. However, there is a new law in progress aiming to reduce the standard working hours from 40 hours to 37.5 hours per week by 2025. Furthermore, certain industries and sectors may have a “split shift” with a two-hour lunch break, while general office jobs typically have a 30-60 minute lunch break 1.

Annual Leave and Public Holidays

Employees in Spain are entitled to a minimum of 22 working days of annual leave per year. Additionally, Spain observes 8 national public holidays, and depending on the region, there may be additional local holidays. It’s noteworthy that public holidays falling on a Sunday are often moved to the following Monday, although Catalonia is an exception to this rule. Employees are typically required to take at least two weeks of their annual leave consecutively, with the holiday months usually falling in August and September 1.

Part-Time and Full-Time Work

In Spain, full-time employment typically entails 40 hours of work per week, and any overtime should be specified in the employment contract. Additionally, part-time employment in Spain lasts up to 20 hours each week. Therefore, individuals seeking part-time work in Spain may find opportunities that provide flexibility in their work schedules 1.

Shops and Business Hours

Shop Opening Hours

Shops in Spain are not open 7 days a week. On Saturdays, many smaller and local shops have reduced hours, while larger franchises remain open fully. On Sundays, all shops are closed, with the exception of some 24/7 supermarkets. The typical lunch break hours in Spain are from 1:30 pm until 5 pm, so it’s advisable to plan shopping activities outside of these hours. Additionally, the opening hours of shops may vary across different regions of Spain due to varying weather conditions 1.

Visa and Residency Options

Visa Options for Non-EU Citizens

For non-EU citizens seeking to enter Spain, the Spanish government provides various visa options, including the tourist visa, job seeker visa, seasonal work visa, startup visa, self-employed visa, digital nomad visa, residency visa, retirement (D7) visa, and the Spain golden visa. These visa options cater to different purposes, such as visiting, job searching, seasonal work, starting a business, self-employment, remote work, and retirement. Furthermore, Spain participates in the EU Blue Card scheme, which enables eligible applicants to enjoy global mobility. It’s important for individuals to thoroughly research and understand the specific requirements and conditions associated with each visa option before planning their move to Spain 2.

Visa Sponsorship and Residence Permit

Non-EU travelers seeking to work in Spain typically require a legal sponsor, which can be an employer or an employer of record (EOR). It’s essential for sponsors to demonstrate their efforts to hire individuals from EU member countries before looking abroad. Additionally, individuals holding a residence permit in Spain may have the opportunity to sponsor immediate family members for reunification visas, provided they are spouses or dependent family members 2.

Conclusion

Working in Spain can be a rewarding experience for individuals seeking employment opportunities in a vibrant and culturally rich environment. Understanding the work culture, working days, public holidays, and visa options is crucial for a successful transition to professional life in Spain. By being well-prepared and aware of the essential factors outlined in this comprehensive guide, individuals can navigate the intricacies of working in Spain and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance in this captivating country.

In conclusion, whether you are considering a move to Spain for career advancement, entrepreneurial pursuits, retirement, or remote work, it’s essential to thoroughly research and plan your transition to ensure a seamless and successful professional experience in this diverse and dynamic country.

The article draws information from various sources, including the Web Search Results provided, to offer a comprehensive guide to working in Spain, covering aspects such as work culture, working days, visa options, and more. Citing the relevant sources, particularly 1 and 2, this article aims to provide valuable insights into the professional landscape in Spain for expats and individuals seeking employment opportunities.